Psalm
74 reminds me of the fallen world we live in today. Many people look
around at the ugliness and devastation they see from crime and
disease and cruelty and they wonder why God is so uncaring. Some
people look at their own situation and conclude that God has rejected
them. This can even lead to anger as we see others prosper. This
psalm was written at a time when the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem had
been destroyed by the Babylonians. The writer begins, “Why
have you rejected us forever, O God?“.
Remember, this was the Temple built by Solomon. It was perhaps the
most ornate building every made and it was the symbol of God’s
presence. More importantly, it was the one place where sacrifices
could be offered for atonement (reconciliation with God). He
continues, “Why
does Your anger smolder”
and quickly adds, “Remember
the people You purchased of old… whom You redeemed“.
It is important to point out that the nation of Israel had rejected
God and turned to false gods and even incorporated child sacrifice.
God interceded before the nation destroyed itself. I do not claim to
understand every action of God, but I do know He has compassion
beyond measure and perfect knowledge. Are you dealing with difficult
“why” questions? The question is, where do you look for answers?
The
writer begins to direct God’s attention toward the enemy, “Turn
Your steps toward these everlasting ruins…
destruction
the enemy has brought… They smashed all the carved paneling with
their axes and hatchets… They burned Your sanctuary to the ground…
they defiled… They burned every place where God was worshiped“.
Isn’t this what we do too? We point out all the crummy things
other people do to us. We use that to prove we are good (at least
compared to some people). Essentially we blame God for His failure
to protect us. “We
are given no miraculous signs;
no
prophets are left“.
Are you looking for a sign? The cross of Christ and the empty tomb
reveal God’s completed promise. The penalty of sin was paid on the
cross and the risen Christ gives each of us hope that we will be
reunited in eternity. Jesus was the first fruits of salvation and He
prepared the way for us. “For
as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive”
(1 Corinthians 15:22). Healing begins when we first acknowledge
our own sin.
In
times of struggle we tend to put human limits on the limitless God.
We see impossible things, but forget that nothing is impossible for
God! He asks, “How
long will the enemy mock You, O God?”
as if time has any meaning for God. “Why
do you hold back Your hand… destroy them!“.
Sadly, I am sure there are people that I wronged that wondered why
God was patient with me when I mocked God. The writer notes, “You
bring salvation upon the earth“,
but he does not seem to want salvation for his enemy. We too can
root for God to punish the “bad people” when we see evil thrive.
He actually tells the God that “established
the sun and moon”
not to forget.
“Remember
how the enemy has mocked You, O Lord, how
foolish
people have reviled Your name“.
He adds this reminder, “Do
not forget the lives of Your afflicted people forever… Have regard
for Your covenant“.
The Temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt and destroyed two more times and
has not been rebuilt since 70 AD because it is no longer necessary.
According to Hebrews 9, “Christ
came as high priest… He went through the greater and more perfect
tabernacle that is not man-made… He entered the Most Holy Place
once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption…
For
this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who
are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance“.
We will not have heaven on earth, but we have a Savior that knows
both! “In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world”
(John 16:33).